Royal Results: Bonhams’ White-Glove Auction of Items From ‘The Crown’

The Crown, produced by Left Bank Pictures and Sony Pictures Television for Netflix, is a TV series about the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. It ran for six seasons from 2016 to 2023 and covered more than a half century of the ins and outs of the British royal family. Overall, 60 episodes aired, and the production went on to win numerous international awards.

This month, Bonhams in London hosted a 473-lot auction of items seen in The Crown. Over 160 lots sold live through the auction house’s New Bond Street location on February 7, with the balance trading hands on an online sale ending on February 8. Items on offer included props, sets, costumes, ephemera, and other materials related to the series. The sale had a 100% sell-through rate and realized more than GBP 1,674,000– over three times its pre-sale estimate. All proceeds were donated to charity. 

“It has been an immense privilege to work with Left Bank Pictures on this incredible sale. The Crown Auction offered a unique opportunity to own pieces from the landmark show, the closest most of us will get to the real thing,” said Charlie Thomas, Bonhams UK Group Director for Private & Iconic Collections, in a press release. “We are delighted with the result – a white glove sale in which everything was 100% sold. It is without doubt testimony to the success of the series and the incredible talent that worked on The Crown.”

The top lot in this sale was #102, a 1987 Jaguar XJ-SC 3.6-Litre Cabriolet. Estimated at £15,000 to £20,000, it traded hands at £70,250. This two-door vehicle featured a green exterior, tan interior, and the license plate FJI 8723. It represented the late Princess Diana’s personal car and appeared on camera in the TV series. It also contained details of the original royal vehicle, including special headlights and rear seats designed for Princes William and Harry.

Princess Diana used her XJ-S from 1987 until 1991. Her actual license plate was E763 KYX. The XJ-S model wasn’t originally designed with an open top, so Jaguar’s engineers made one for the Princess with a roll hoop and removable roof panels. This added stability to its top structure when it was driven top down. In 1991, the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust acquired Diana’s car in return for a contribution to her charity. 

Items related to royal state affairs and traditions from the program were a key category in this sale. Lot #80, a replica of the Gold State Coach, was estimated at £30,000 to £50,000 and sold for £56,280. This breathtaking gilded wood horse-drawn carriage measured about 74 inches wide, 220 inches deep, and 124 inches high. It was decorated with royalty-themed paintings and carvings on practically every surface. Its interior was also luxuriously detailed with velvet and satin upholstery and illustrated panels. This screen-used vehicle was based on a coach designed and built for King George III (1738 – 1820) and appeared on camera as part of Season 3, Episode 10, ‘Cri de Coeur’ and Season 6, Episode 9, ‘Hope Street’.

According to Bonhams’ experts, this coach was one of the more complicated and costly royal-themed items created for The Crown. But given its history and symbolic importance to people across the United Kingdom, it was made despite these challenges and would go on to become an essential prop to the storyline and tone of the program. The original coach has been a feature at every coronation from 1831 onward and most recently appeared on May 6, 2023 at the accession of King Charles III.

The Crown screen-used lighting fixtures were also well-represented in this electrifying event. Lot #120, a set of four gilt-brass and cut-glass tent and bag 18-light chandeliers, was estimated at £5,000 to £7,000 and made £20,480. These lamps were produced in the 20th century and modeled on typical 18th-century forms with acanthus leaf-cast scrolling candle arms. The lamps were a constant on the series from its debut through the very last scene filmed in 2023. 

These stunning chandeliers featured extensive luster detailing. “Luster” refers to dangling glass or crystal prism elements integral to the design of candle stands, lighting fixtures, or decorative items placed on tables, mantles, or shelves. They were intended to amplify and reflect the light in the room. Items featuring luster elements were thought to be the apex of elegance and luxury during the Victorian era.

Costumes, outfits, and uniforms featured in important scenes throughout The Crown also caught the eye of enthusiasts worldwide. Lot #66, a replica of the Investiture outfit worn by Josh O’Connor (as Prince Charles) was estimated at £5,000 to £7,000 and scored £14,080. This ensemble, worn in Season 3, Episode 6, ‘Tywysog Cymru’, consisted of a purple velvet cloak detailed with gold hardware, fleur-de-lis embroidery, and an ermine fur collar; a labeled blue wool jacket with silver tone buttons; a pair of blue wool pants; a Darcy shirt; appropriate braces, epaulets, and boots; a black hat; and a faux gold ring with an oval stone. The words “Tywysog Cymru” are Welch for “Prince of Wales,” a title usually given to the male heir apparent to the British throne.

Today, “investiture” is relatively synonymous with a coronation, the formalities associated with an individual ascending to high office. However, the word originally had a slightly different meaning. In the distant past, it referred to the actual outfit, clothing, or uniform that a newly anointed high-ranking person wore to reflect their social and political status.

This star-studded sale rounded out with other props, scripts, furniture, fine art, and other production-related collectibles. Lot #158, a specially-commissioned architectural model of Buckingham Palace and Admiralty Arch, was estimated at £8,000 to £12,000 and sold for £53,740. This elaborately and perfectly to scale model was featured in Season 6, Episode 10, ‘Sleep, Dearie Sleep’, and consisted of approximately 500 British soldiers, custom 3D-printed figures, a precise architectural model of Buckingham Palace and Admiralty Arch, and a model of the funeral carriage used in the funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2022. 

For more information on the February 2024 The Crown auction and to browse the complete results, visit Bonhams. 

Looking for more auction results? Check out Auction Daily’s coverage of the Ann and Gordon Getty Collection at Stair.